5 mistakes to avoid when booking a taxi

5 mistakes to avoid when booking a taxi

Hiring a taxi beforehand makes any trip smoother and more comfortable. Taxis are a practical mode of transportation. As a result, many tourists prefer using them to move from one location to another, especially when exploring a new country or city. Today, many book taxis online. While it’s convenient to do so, you must check a few things to avoid problems during the trip. Here are the common mistakes to avoid when booking a taxi.

Not booking in advance
Failure to pre-book a cab service may result in the trip being delayed. If you’re lucky, you may get a ride at the last minute. However, the car will be unfamiliar, and you won’t have much time to investigate whether the taxi company is licensed, professional, and reliable. Early bookings and on-time arrivals can save you a lot of money by allowing you to enjoy various deals, discounts, and promotions.

Using third-party apps
Most people prefer booking taxis using smartphone apps. It’s convenient and can get the job done quickly. However, some taxi services demand extra money for app bookings. Even if the charges are nominal, booking multiple rides with the app can be costly.

Not asking about hidden charges
Many taxi services don’t disclose the trip’s actual cost to their customers. The hidden charges are revealed during payment or after you reach your destination. The new price can be significantly higher than what was mentioned earlier. So, before making a taxi reservation, inquire with the taxi company about potential hidden fees, price changes, or taxes.

Not selecting the right car
Choosing the right vehicle is crucial for a comfortable journey. The type of car you need could vary for each trip depending on luggage, number of passengers, and other factors. Before booking, find out what types of cabs the service offers and select the most appropriate one. Reserve a large vehicle if you have a lot of luggage. And don’t hesitate to request extra assistance, such as a car seat for a young child. All in all, ensure the vehicle has the amenities you need for a comfortable and safe trip.

Not verifying the license
Not verifying the taxi company’s license is another common error. Many businesses operate illegally and offer potentially unsafe services. Booking such cabs may result in unforeseen inconveniences. Thus, choosing reputable businesses and platforms to hire a taxi is recommended. One way to verify a company’s reputation is to research its history, such as the years it has been in business, the quality of its services, and other details. The firm’s website may have this information.

When visiting a foreign place for the first time, seek transport advice from those who have already been there. Insight from locals or other tourists can also help you save money on your taxi bills and have a comfortable experience.

Previous Read

4 simple tips to find the best cable provider

If you’re looking to subscribe to a new cable service provider, you might realize that the task is not that easy. A provider’s website might be difficult to navigate, and you probably won't find what you’re looking for. Additionally, they offer bundled services, which can add to your confusion, especially if you’re trying to navigate through the process for the first time. So, read on for a few simple tips for finding the best cable service provider in your area:Check what channels they offer in their packagesThe first step is to enlist the channels that are must-haves for you. Many cable service providers offer a large selection of channels, but their packages might not include all the channels you want. This can be because some individual broadcast networks may not provide services in your area. So, while shopping for the best cable services, you must ensure that the cable provider you’re considering provides you with the most number of channels on your list.Different cable providers partner with different broadcast networks, so you must get a package that includes standard TV channels and traditional network channels that you want to enjoy. Also, check whether they offer on-demand content availability options. The best cable services generally provide this as a part of their package, and customers can pay a little extra to enjoy TV shows and movies.Ask for bundled servicesThis is a brilliant way of getting additional services at almost the same price or simply saving money. Many cable and satellite TV service providers offer other related services bundled together.The most common package deal is a combination of TV and internet services because premium TV services often rely on a broadband internet connection. Some companies also offer a home phone line with a cable TV service, while others offer all three services: cable TV, internet, and telephone connections. Subscribing to these services together can help you save up to a thousand dollars annually. That said, calculate the prices of these services individually so that you know whether you’re getting them at a discounted price.Check whether they offer quality servicesThe weather of your area, the placement of the satellite, and the number of customers using the provider’s cable TV and internet connection directly impact the provider’s service quality. During bad weather, both cable and satellite TV services tend to display blank channels and have a slow connection, or the equipment fails to work. So, if you live in a place with unpredictable weather conditions, it’s best to look for cable services that offer a high-quality connection and equipment.Ask for promo deals and negotiateSome cable providers offer deals like discounts of $20 or more on the monthly price to new members for the first year. You can look for similar deals and compare them across cable providers. Also, ensure that you’re aware of the expiry date of the promotion so that you’re aren't overwhelmed by a higher than normal bill the following month.And, of course, negotiation works here too. A little negotiation can help you cut down on your monthly cable costs or get some additional services at the same price.

Next Read

5 mistakes to avoid when choosing an internet provider

If you do your homework, the variety of plans and rates each internet service provider provides may certainly overwhelm you. That is, if the number of providers isn't overwhelming for you. It is important to choose the option that best suits your needs. Find a reliable business that offers excellent service at reasonable prices. While you are looking for an internet service provider, here is a list of typical errors to avoid. Emphasizing bandwidth over speed Rather than opting for a bigger bandwidth with average speeds, opt for suitable bandwidth packages with the promised higher speed. In today's world, internet speed cannot be compromised. Slow speed will cost you projects and customers, along with lower productivity. Heeding someone's recommendation Decisions as significant as choosing an internet service provider should not be based on what a family member, a friend, or a business recommends. One must consider certain factors before deciding on an internet service provider. The right internet provider is the one that can meet your requirements and one that does not break down often. Look at services that seem like they were tailor-made for your business. Not considering your specific requirements In order to make a successful purchase of a service, you must first be aware of your requirements. You must consider the types of network services you require, the number of users or devices expected, your desired speed, etc. Not considering after-sales service Subpar customer service is a horror story you will often hear from other customers and businesses about why they ditched an internet service provider. Before signing on to any service provider's network, research them well. Not just about their connection speed and quality. Also, ensure that the service provider you will work with has decent post-sales customer service. No one wants to be on hold with the customer service department when they could be finishing off a project. Not considering provider reputation One of the common mistakes users end up making is not researching the ISP's reputation. Selecting a reliable and efficient provider is among the top priorities when looking for a new connection. When it comes to a business internet connection, you do not want to be stuck with a subpar provider that jeopardizes your work and projects. Log on to various review sites and check what users have to say about the service provider and their services. To choose the right internet service provider, you can look for the most reliable providers in the country. AT&T is one such reliable service provider, offering fiber and hybrid-fiber connections. Customers can choose from various internet, wireless, and bundle plans that suit their needs. AT&T Fiber plans can cost you $55 to $180 a month. The company is known for its reliable, speedy connections and stellar customer service.

Our Blogs

4 tips that can help you pick the right investment advisor

4 tips that can help you pick the right investment advisor

An investment advisor can be a game-changer. A capable advisor can help solve most of your financial issues and give you the best investment advice so that you can turn market situations to your favor. But, finding the right investment advisor is not easy. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind while looking for the best investment advisor. Know what type of service you need First, you need to decide what kind of financial assistance you need. Do you need help picking investments? Or are you seeking advice on real estate, retirement, or insurance needs? Asking yourself these questions will help determine the type of investment advisor you are looking for. Nowadays, many people use a robo-advisor, which is as competent as a human investment advisor. A robo-advisor is great for investment management and other basic investments. But if you want substantial transformation in your money-situation, a human advisor is the viable option. Choose a fee-only advisor If you’ve decided to pick a human advisor, the next step is to choose the type of advisor: commission-based, fee-based, or fee-only. If you’re planning something big financially, you must pick a fee-only advisor. Such advisors work for and get paid by other clients like you, so they always act in their clients’ best interest.
Read More
Handy tips for retirement-focused investments

Handy tips for retirement-focused investments

With pension plans becoming more and more obsolete, retirement-focused investments have come to the fore in the past few years. Besides helping you fund your future, these valuable assets also provide incredible gains, and in some cases, constant income till the end of life. Since investing for retirement—and planning it—can prove to be challenging, we have put together a list of tips that may be helpful in the process. Assess your options Multiple investment vehicles are ideal for long-term gains and can return a sizable amount by the time you retire. Mutual funds, stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, cash investments, annuities, and dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) are also good sources of high returns, although they depend on investor characteristics and risk aptitude. Saving money in certain tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k), individual retirement accounts (IRA), and brokerage accounts is also an option. Start early and young No one is ever too young to invest. It’s a healthy habit that can earn serious money in the long term, with even the smallest of investments capable of making a difference a few years down the line. Starting early gives your money time to grow and lets you accumulate more compound interest over a period of time.
Read More
4 popular credit cards for college students

4 popular credit cards for college students

A good credit score is essential as it can be a criterion for lucrative job prospects or renting an apartment. Moreover, a good credit score is an uncompromisable necessity while applying for a loan that has terms and conditions that favor you. To ensure that you have a good credit score, it is better to start building it young and early. One of the easiest ways to do so is by applying for a student credit card from prominent credit cards companies. Now, there are several credit cards companies that offer lucrative credit cards, making choosing the right one confusing. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the best credit cards companies that offer student credit cards. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: One of the biggest credit card companies in the country Bank of America offers a slew of benefits with its student credit card. With each dollar spent using this card, students can earn 1.5 points. This applies to purchases without any caps. The points can be redeemed as discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. There are no restrictions or blackout dates applicable for availing these discounts. With no foreign transaction fee or annual fee, the card allows one to earn nearly 25,000 points on spending about $1000 in the first 90 days.
Read More
What you must know about guaranteed business loans

What you must know about guaranteed business loans

If you’re looking for funding your small business with a loan, you’ll most likely come across the term “guaranteed business loans.” People often misunderstand this term as business loans that are guaranteed to be approved. But, this is not what guaranteed business loans means. To clarify the confusion, let’s understand what the term actually means, and discuss the most popular types of guaranteed business loans. What are guaranteed business loans? In simple terms, guaranteed business loans in the world of small business loans refer to loans that are secured or backed by a guarantee. The guarantee can be in the form of collateral, deposit, or an agreement. This essentially means that the lender is guaranteed to receive their money back even if the borrower fails to pay. When we talk about guaranteed business loans, we refer to loans with a personal guarantee or, more commonly, loans guaranteed by the small business administration (SBA). Let’s take a look at both these types. Personally guaranteed business loans As you understand from the term “personal,” when you make a personal guarantee on a business loan, you essentially agree to sell your assets to pay off the loan, if your business is unable to do so.
Read More
5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

Exchange-traded funds (ETF) have been gaining popularity in the investment sector for some time now. Along with mutual funds, they have been one of the most preferred investment options among investors. With investors having pumped in billions of dollars in ETFs by now, these funds sure seem like a lucrative investment avenue. However, financial experts suggest treading this path carefully so as to avoid unforeseeable losses. Here are a few mistakes that you can avoid while investing in high dividend ETFs: Overlooking long-term investment Looking at long-term goals is the golden rule when it comes to any type of investment. However, seasoned investors invest in ETFs on a short-term basis through a type of trading called intraday trade. This type of trading allows the investors to buy and sell stocks and other investments on the same day. However, if not thought out carefully, investing in high dividend ETFs through intraday trading can result in lower returns and higher trading costs. Buying an ETF simply based on its name This is one of the most common mistakes people make when investing in high dividend ETFs. Investors may think that an ETF’s name provides an insight into its investment reach, i.e., whether the ETF has local or/and global investors.
Read More
How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage provides the elderly access to equity in their homes and supplements their income. With its flexible repayment option, it gives homeowners more control over their money. However, the government has laid out strict rules and guidelines concerning reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. So, if you’re considering a reverse mortgage, read on to know the reverse mortgage eligibility criteria and the types of reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgage eligibility criteria The first criterion for a reverse mortgage is that the primary homeowner must be at least 62 years of age. If your spouse is under the age of 62, you might still be eligible if you meet other reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. If you’re not 62 or older than 62, then you won’t qualify for a reverse mortgage even if you satisfy the criteria mentioned below. You must be the primary resident of the home you’re seeking a reverse mortgage for. Note that vacation homes or rental properties do not qualify. You must either entirely own the house or have at least 50% equity in it. If you have any mortgage balance remaining while applying for a reverse mortgage, you must be in a financial position to pay off that balance.
Read More